Welcome! We are excited about opening up recruiting for our robotics teams 🤩. Below are the essential details for our upcoming STEAMwhiz (SW) VeX IQ Robotics Competition Program for 2025-2026. The time and cost of our robotics program are similar to that of competitive Soccer, Ice Hockey, and Gymnastics. They will be around other high achievers and get all the benefits of a team sport, but in addition, they will learn STEM-related career skills to prepare them for an AI future. Under the guidance of Dr. J, a skilled physicist, engineer, and educator, your students will receive specialized instruction to equip them for this thrilling opportunity. Click here to check out the results from one of our previous competitions.

If you are interested, kindly use the button below to complete the interest form. For our new families, you must attend the orientation before being considered. Please note that the interest form only expresses your interest and does NOT guarantee your place on the team. Spots are limited and available by invitation only. Invitations will be issued following the Vex IQ Orientation. To see the calendar for the entire season, click here -> VeX Calendar. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us; we are here to help.

SW Competitive Track

This track is for focused students who want to compete at the highest levels, including State Finals and possibly competing at the World Competition. These teams will have all the materials necessary to construct 2 concurrent robots – 1 prototype, 1 stable build. The extra time and advanced training with Dr J over the summer will allow them to build 4-6 versions of their robot solution for the challenge.

Program Schedule

Spring 2025 | VeX Summer Camp 2025 | Fall 2025 – Winter 2026

Total hours

250+ hrs

Required SW Courses

Orientation | Spring Prep | VeX Summer Camp | VeX Core

SW Recreational Track

This track is for interested students in exploring the world of robotics competitions. It is very possible to make it far in the competition, and still a significant time commitment. See more details about the required course below. These teams will have all the materials necessary to construct 1 complete robot. They will have the training and time to build 2-3 versions of their robot solution for the challenge.

Program Schedule

Spring 2025 | Fall 2025 – Winter 2026

Total hours

150 – 175 hrs

Required SW Courses

Orientation | Spring Prep | Vex Core

SW Vex IQ Orientation

This is for our new families thinking about joining VeX. Dr J will provide an overview of VeX IQ Robotics and details about our program. You will also get to see our current students and ask them about their builds and experience 🤩 Once you have filled out the interest form, I send out a follow email with details. For our current families in the program, you do not need to attend this.

February 7th @ 6 pm – 7 pm

SW Spring Prep

This is a crash course in vex robotics and essential concepts. It’s a great way to get your feet wet before jumping in! New students will learn the fundamentals of VeX Robotics. Returning Students will learn about the NEW game challenge for the season and begin strategizing and building their robots.

Recreational & Competitive Track ( 8 days, Total of 24 hrs)

Saturdays 2 pm – 5 pm

May 10th – June 28th

SW Summer Advanced Robotics Camp

This summer camp is where the competitive teams get the edge! It’s a boot camp where they get to work with Dr J directly to learn about advanced robotics concepts and start applying them to their robots 🤩

Competitive Track Only ( 10 days, Total of 60 hrs)

Full Day | Mon – Fri 9 am – 4 pm

Aug 11th – Aug 22nd | 2 weeks

SW Vex Core Program

This is the meat and potatoes of the STEAMwhiz (SW) VeX Program. There is a schedule, internal competitions, engineering notebooks, building, coding, and more!

Recreational & Competitive Track ( 44 days, Total 132 hrs)

Mon & Fri 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Sat 2 pm – 5 pm as needed before competitions (4 – 8 days, Total 24 hrs)

Sep 15th, 2025 – Mar 6th 2025

Breaks – Thanksgiving & Winter/New Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guilderland, NY – January 20, 2025 – STEAMwhiz – The STEM Learning Lab, a leading STEM education center in the Capital District, is thrilled to announce the outstanding performance of its teams at the recent VEX IQ Robotics Tournament in Queensbury, NY. Competing for the first time, three out of four STEAMwhiz teams won, earning them a spot at the 12th Annual Northern New York State VeX IQ Championships, showcasing their incredible potential and dedication.

The VEX IQ competition is a prestigious global event that inspires young minds through hands-on, student-centered learning. With over 24,000 teams from more than 60 countries participating, it is one of the largest and most influential robotics competitions in the world¹. The competition, supported by top companies and organizations, including NASA, Google, and Texas Instruments, encourages students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills by designing, building, and programming robots to tackle complex challenges. This year’s local qualifying at Queensbury was fantastic, featuring 25 teams and over 100 students from the local region with multiple years of experience. With the amazing field, the achievements of STEAMwhiz’s teams are even more remarkable as they were the only rookie organization competing for the first time. Out of 25 teams, with only 6 spots available to qualify for the next level state regional competition, STEAMwhiz achieved a hat trick by taking 3 of the 6 spots.

Team Magnificent Mangos received the Outstanding Design Award for their innovative and original robot design, which impressed the judges and secured their spot in the state finals. Their creativity and strategic thinking were key factors in their success. The team also finished 3rd in the Total Skills challenge, showcasing their well-rounded abilities.

Saaqib Maraicayer, Cooper Radler, Caleb Roche, Kolbe Tessarzik

Team Dunk-In earned the CREATE Award, recognizing their strategic approach and use of advanced robotics elements such as pneumatics and an H-drive system. Despite being one of the smaller teams, their hard work and ingenuity stood out, earning them a place in the state finals. Their dedication and perseverance were evident as they refined their robot multiple times leading up to the event.

Rithika Boosa, Maansi Chamakura, Sriniket Muthyala

Team Purple Burritos demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication, overcoming significant challenges to achieve a stunning upset in the Team Competition Challenge. Their perseverance and teamwork were truly inspiring, earning them a well-deserved spot in the State Finals. The team’s ability to handle pressure and perform under challenging conditions was commendable.

Waliy Ashary, Austin Merrill, Simon Polishchuk, Xavier Pulecio

Team Vortex, mainly consisting of 4th graders, excelled against competitors up to 8th grade, securing second place in the Team Challenge and achieving the event’s highest score. They were one of only two elementary and youngest teams at the event. Although they did not qualify for the finals this time, their potential is undeniable, and they are poised to become a dominant force in future competitions. Team Vortex will compete again on February 22nd at Queensbury to clinch their spot in the state finals.

Benjamin Epstein, Daniel Epstein, Lorcan O’Loughlin, Elle Pulecio, Tegan Waters

Vortex & BrainBots High Score of Event

As the teams prepare for the State Regional Competition in Syracuse on March 5th, they are gearing up to face even tougher competition. Teams like La Salle from Niagara Falls, who have been competing for 10 years and have gone to the world championships multiple times, will be among the formidable opponents². Despite being the underdogs, STEAMwhiz’s teams are determined to rise to the challenge and demonstrate their innovative spirit and teamwork.

The importance of robotics and AI in shaping the future job market cannot be overstated. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest report, advancements in AI, robotics, and automation are expected to transform 86% of businesses by 2030, creating millions of new jobs in fields such as AI, self-driving automation, and other emerging technologies³. These trends highlight the critical need for STEM education programs like those offered at STEAMwhiz, which prepare students for the jobs of the future.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements,” said Dr. Javier F. Pulecio, Co-Founder and Robotics Program Director of STEAMwhiz. “AI is changing the job landscape from a knowledge-based economy to one that emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and teamwork. Programs like VEX IQ are essential in nurturing these skills, prioritizing innovation, strategic thinking, and working in a team. Our students’ success at the event is a testament to these skills and the supportive community of parents, teachers, and mentors. We look forward to seeing them grow and what they will accomplish next.”

STEAMwhiz is committed to nurturing the talents of young learners and providing them with opportunities to excel in STEM fields. Our primary mission is to nurture creative problem-solving skills and adaptability to prepare students for an AI-driven future. The center’s participation in the VEX IQ competition highlights its dedication to fostering innovation, teamwork, and a passion for learning.

Check out the entire Vex IQ Teams Challenge on Queensbury Schools YouTube channel – Q-Tube. Thank you to tournament director Eric Wood of Finch Paper, the Queensbury School District, and all the volunteers for making the event spectacular.

You can sign up to receive the STEAMwhiz – The STEM Learning Lab free newsletters by registering here, or learn more about their academic programs, break camps, and competitive robotics teams.

Contact: Allie Pulecio, Co-Founder & Director of Programs, STEAMwhiz – The STEM Learning Lab

[email protected] (518) 512-9595

1 About VEX – IQ – VEX Robotics

2 LaSalle Prep students gear up to compete in World Robotics Championship

3 The Future of Jobs Report 2025 | World Economic Forum

Heads up! We had a spot open up for VR this Saturday at 3 pm. You register below and check out the upcoming dates 🤩

VR Nights | Drop-In

Fun with Friends

Fall Semester | Sept. 16,  2024 – Dec. 6, 2024

Winter Semester | Dec. 9, 2024 – March 7, 2025

Spring Semester | March 10, 2025 – May 30, 2025

 

Exclusively for our STEAMwhiz students. Drop off your student (2 hrs) and have fun knowing that your kids are in good hands. Students can play VR, Minecraft on our local server, board games, and more in a safe and fun environment with their friends from the lab. SW’s friends can continue to form stronger bonds with like-minded students.

Recommended ages 10-14 years old (Parents welcomed too!)

Please join the waiting list, and we will try our best to open another time/day as needed.

$25.00

Learn More

February & April Break STEM Camps 2025

Join the premier STEM Camp in the Capital District! With our headquarters based in the Capital District, you’ll notice the difference: a passionate team of master educators focused on grades K-8, a stunning learning environment, cutting-edge technology for hands-on exploration, and innovative Year-Round Programs for our local students. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our children!  #BeTheChange!

Camp Time: 9 am – 12 pm | Drop-off Starts 8:45 am

Sign up for Both weeks and get $50 Off 🥳(Code: Break$50)

Please select the week(s) and session(s) below.

$259.00

Register Today!

🌟 Discover the incredible ALL-NEW programming we have lined up for your students this year! Each year, we evolve alongside your students, providing fresh and thrilling learning opportunities that ignite their passion for learning! 💖🧠 Our carefully designed projects build on one another week after week, delivering an unparalleled learning experience that will keep your students engaged and excited. Don’t miss out on the chance to sign up for February and April weeks and enjoy a fantastic $50 savings! 🥳 Boost your students’ growth and excitement—enroll today!

Hi Parents!

Registration is now open for our Minecraft STEM Summer Camps 🥳

We have expanded our capacity to account for last year’s demand. Still, we anticipate being at max capacity again this year. Our best advice is not to hesitate to avoid the dreaded waitlist 😏(which will be on a first-come, first-serve basis). If you have any questions, please contact us with any questions you may have. This is the early notification for our STEAMwhiz families. We will begin advertising in a few days 🤩

Full-Day and Half-Day Options

Full-day camps run from 8 am to 4 pm, during which students go to Tawasentha Recreation Camp in the mornings and take a bus ride to STEAMwhiz STEM camp in the afternoons. Check the product page FAQs for more details.

Half-day camps are offered Mornings (9 am -12 pm) or Afternoons (1 pm – 4 pm) option. Check the product page FAQs for more details.

Early Bird Discounts

The discount is per camper, so multiple kids sign up for weeks, multiple discounts 🥳 Check FAQs on the product page for codes

• 2+ Weeks Save $25
• 4+ Weeks Save $50
• 6 Weeks Save $100

Intermediate – Advanced

Recommended Ages 9-13

Register Today!

Beginner

Recommended Ages 6-8

Register Today!

What’s New for Summer?

We heard your feedback last year and are now concurrently offering Beginners (6-8 yrs old) and Intermediate/Advanced (9-13 yrs old) STEM Camp each week. This will make it easier for our families to drop off their kids at one place 🤓

Many parents wished our Beginner’s summer program ran longer than the first two weeks in August. So, we have expanded their summer program for the entire 6 weeks June 30th – Aug 8th, in parallel with the Int/Adv Classes 🙌

As always, all projects are new for our returning campers each summer. We are adding fun new labs like programming DRONES to complete an obstacle course and crazy fun Minecraft Modding using Origins.

STEAMwhiz T-shirts, woohoo! All our campers will receive a STEAMwhiz t-shirt 👕 Please ensure you fill out the lab participation form after checkout to ensure your student receives one.

February & April Break STEM Camps

February & April Camps are Open!

February & April Break STEM Camps 2025

Join the premier STEM Camp in the Capital District! With our headquarters based in the Capital District, you’ll notice the difference: a passionate team of master educators focused on grades K-8, a stunning learning environment, cutting-edge technology for hands-on exploration, and innovative Year-Round Programs for our local students. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our children!  #BeTheChange!

Camp Time: 9 am – 12 pm | Drop-off Starts 8:45 am

Sign up for Both weeks and get $50 Off 🥳(Code: Break$50)

Please select the week(s) and session(s) below.

$259.00

Enroll Today

Hi Parents – Happy 2025!

Summer camp registration will open soon 🤓📣 We wanted to provide the schedule so you can start penciling in dates 👍 Below are some updates

• Our Beginner Class will now run the entire 6 weeks, just like the Intermediate and Advanced Classes ✨
• Full Day Camps are On! Tawasentha Recreational Camp in the morning -> Bus ride to STEAMwhiz -> SW Minecraft Camp in the afternoon. You do not have to be a resident to register for the Tawasentha Camp, it’s open to all students.
• There will be Early Bird Registration discounts😀
• If you have any quick questions feel free to send us a text at 518-512-9595 or email [email protected]

Check out some of the All-New Projects for 2025

W1 Minecraft Makers: 3D Printing Adventure Camp (BEG & INT/ADV)

Challenge: Build your imaginative creation in Minecraft and then bring it to life through 3D printing! Start by constructing a detailed design in the Minecraft universe, and then translate your virtual creation into a physical model using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Explore the principles of design, creativity, and physical construction.

 W4 Robotic Catapults & TNT Cannons (INT/ADV)

Challenge: How can you bridge the virtual and physical worlds by designing and constructing a robotic catapult and TNT cannons? Your challenge is to create a functional robotic catapult using LEGO Technic bricks, motors, and input sensors, while also building TNT cannons in the Minecraft universe. This interdisciplinary adventure will draw upon your skills in engineering, physics, and programming. How can you ensure that your catapult and TNT cannons are effective in both the virtual and physical realms, and how will you program your catapult to launch projectiles accurately?

W6 Flight Engineers: Drones & Minecraft Flying Machines (INT/ADV)

Challenge: How can you design and program a drone to navigate through an obstacle course in real life and then create flying machines in Minecraft? Your challenge is to explore the exciting world of drone technology and Minecraft modding. Starting from concept to creation, how will you integrate motors for flight and sensors for obstacle detection into your drone design? This adventure invites you to be both an engineer and a coder. How can you ensure your drone not only flies smoothly but also responds intelligently to its surroundings? Dive into the realm of electronics, mechanics, and coding as you embark on the journey to create a drone that brings your innovative ideas to life and then translate those ideas into the Minecraft universe.

As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations, NSF has launched the Game Maker Awards, a competition designed to inspire K-12 students to envision “Life in 2100” through video game design. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and innovative thinking.

About the Challenge

The NSF Game Maker Awards aim to make STEM subjects engaging and accessible. By encouraging students to imagine the future, the competition highlights the role of science and technology in shaping our world. Students aged 5-18 who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents can enter the competition. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST. Participants can win up to $8,500 in various prize categories, including Best Educational Game, Best STEM Discovery, and Best Art and Design¹.

Why Participate?

Participating in the NSF Game Maker Awards offers students a unique opportunity to gain recognition, win prizes, and connect with other innovators and industry leaders in gaming. It’s a fantastic way to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while having fun and being creative¹.

Benefits for Students

Participating in the NSF Game Maker Awards offers numerous benefits:

• Skill Development: Students will enhance their coding, design, and problem-solving skills.
• Creativity and Innovation: The competition encourages students to think creatively about the future and how science and technology can shape it.
• Recognition and Prizes: Winners will gain recognition and valuable prizes, boosting their confidence and motivation.

What is the NSF?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity, and welfare, and secure national defense. NSF supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and discovery across the United States.

Why NSF Matters

NSF’s mission is to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. By funding research and educational initiatives, NSF helps to cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and educators. This support is vital for maintaining the country’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

I have served on NSF review boards and received prestigious awards and funding from NSF throughout my scientific career. They are a significant driving force for science in the United States of America, and it would be an incredible achievement for any student to be honored for their accomplishments by NSF!

How STEAMwhiz Can Help

At STEAMwhiz, we are dedicated to preparing students for the future through our comprehensive project-based STEM curricula. Our STEAM Enrichment Program (SEP) theme this year is GAMING and is specifically designed to support students in developing the skills needed for the NSF Game Maker Awards.

Program Highlights

STEAM Enrichment Program (SEP)

• Ages 6-14: Our premier program introduces young students to interdisciplinary problem-solving with a focus on AI and new STEM themes each year.
• Game Coding: Using Construct 3, Scratch, Scratch Jr., etc., students will dive into game development, focusing on game mechanics, interactivity, and fun gameplay.
• Animation and AI: Our more advanced students will create game story animations using professional tools, including Reallusion’s Cartoon Animator and AI, developing engaging storylines and characters.
• Networking: Students will have the chance to connect with other young innovators through gaming and STEM fields.

Join Us!

We encourage all parents to sign up their children for the NSF Game Maker Awards. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. If you want to join one of our teams, our dedicated staff will prepare students and create teams to participate in the NSF Game Maker Awards, providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed. For more information about our programs, click the button below.